Showing posts with label being a wife. Show all posts
Showing posts with label being a wife. Show all posts

a warm Autumn day

Saturday, 1 November 2014





 26 weeks






Last weekend it was incredibly hot here in northern Italy. We spent Sunday afternoon in Arona, by Lake Maggiore.
We had coffee in the amazing restaurant were we got married… it was so romantic…. Everytime I’ll go there, a little tear of emotions show up. It was the best day of my life and I could not help having overwhelming feelings of love, joy, fun, sweetness and magic!

I am 26 weeks and the size of my belly is still small (not complaining at all!). I am doing great and couldn't be happier!


NEWS!

Friday, 19 September 2014


yep, I am pregnant!
21 weeks so far and doing great.
It’s a boy.

 Life is hectic as usual and I am as happy as always.

 I am embracing this new life and living every moment of it: the new food habits, a different attitude towards my job (and related stress), and the need of more sleep and relax time.

Nothing says I am pregnant to me as I have no issues such as nausea, swollen legs, etc. I am very healthy, switched Zumba to swimming, and cycling to sewing (very strange change!).

 I am adjusting my fashion tastes in order to adapt at new needs such as comfort and soft clothes.

Lucky I am, my belly is barely showing up this means, no maternity clothes needed so far (most of the times maternity clothes are boring).

 What can I say more?

You’ll see more baby-related posts and my new adventures as a mum-to-be (I haven’t lost my travelling ‘gene’ therefore I am always around the world. Well, for now.)

 Sending you all my love…
 
 

those special moments...

Thursday, 10 July 2014

 

 
 
This is how I get treated very often from my Husband: breakfast in bed!
Breakfast is to me the most important meal of the day. Not only for its value, but it sets the mood of the day.
And lucky enough, I do not need to wait for Sunday for such treat :-)

Happiness

Saturday, 28 June 2014


That's one of my secrets for a happy life!
Trying to see things throught pink lenses, enjoy every day like kids do.
And I still do 'silly, childish' things every now and then.
 
Life is good, and it's better if you smile!
 
 

 
 

Summer vacations anyone?

Tuesday, 24 June 2014




Life is busy. I am running errands everyday.
I had a promotion, I am travelling (not much but still), we are house hunting and have a couple of amazing 'secret' projects we are working at.

That said, a few days ago we realised Summer it's just around the corner. Like most Italians, our Summer break will be August (just 1 month away!).

This mean we will not be able to plan any exotic, tropical, paradise escape: over priced, packed or difficult to organise with such short time.

It's a pity. But this is how life goes. And to be honest, we do need any special place to have fun and wnjoy ourself. Even the small lake around the corner can be the most beautiful and relaxed place if taken with the right attitude and look at with different eyes.

Being able to take 3 weeks off and travel (despite the destination) is still a luxury to me.

Honestly I need to admit that we are not stuck at home.....since the New Year Break we have been to Barcellona, L'Aquila, San Remo, Oxford and many other places.


Therefore, I should not complain...

Happy birthday to him

Tuesday, 17 June 2014

 


My beloved turned 40 this weekend.
we book a weekend escape by the seaside.

We cycled, wine, dine and enjoy each other company so much.
I cannot have enough of him.
He is the joy of my life: my best friend, my lover, my light, my soul.
 
 



Peanut Butter, the unknow

Thursday, 12 June 2014

(recipe below)

Oh, yes. Peanut butter is almost unknow in Italy. But nowadays the variaty of food from all over the world is more easy to get. In fact, I got a little vase of peanut batter at the local supermarket.

Not that I am new to it (tought I’ve tried for the first time while living in the UK 10 years ago. But as an Italian, I prefer (and are very proud of) of our Nutella (the halzenut chocolate spread).

Anyway.....I had some friends with teens kids coming over last evening and I wanted to make an efford for the youngest guests. I’ve browser pinterest and Martha Steward’s web site and somehow found this recipe somewhere...on the net.....

I made truffles! Not because I am lazy or lack in coking skills! Just had no time as a I am full time worker and had been informed about the guests just the previous day.

I wanted to do something quick but impressive. And the good thing about truffles is that you can cover them with many different flavours like coconut, cocoa powder, almonds, and halzenut. In the recipe I’ve tried, I gave a try with Peanut Butter! But let me tell you that as we also were 4 adults, I made a few with Grappa and Grand Marnier filling :-)



Here is the recipe that makes about 12-15 truffles, but can easily be multiplied if you’re cooking for a large group.

Peanut Butter Pretzel Truffles


Ingredients
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1 cup crushed pretzels + extra for topping
1 Tbsp. unsalted butter, room temperature
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 cup semisweet chocolate, finely chopped
sea salt (optional)

How-to
In a medium bowl, combine the peanut butter, 1 cup crushed pretzels, butter and powdered sugar. Stir with a spoon until well combined.

Keep half the mixture aside divide it in two portions. Add some Grappa in one, and some Grand Marnier in the other [because adults needs some treats too!].

Form balls from two teaspoons of peanut butter/pretzel mixture and place on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil or non-sticky paper. Pop it in the fridge to chill for 30-45 minutes.

Place your chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water and stir until melted and smooth. Roll each peanut butter ball in chocolate until covered, shake off any excess and place back on the non-sticky paper. Sprinkle with pretzel crumbs while the chocolate is still wet. If you really like salty treats, you can sprinkle a bit of sea salt on top of the truffles too.

When all the truffles have been covered in chocolate, place the baking sheet back in the freezer until the chocolate is set.

Let me just tell you that there were no left overs!


recipe: Salmon, Potato & Asparagus Salad

Thursday, 24 April 2014


 
 


This is one of the most heart-healthy salads you can eat. Perfect for a light supper or a lunch, it can be prepared quickly just before serving, or the salmon, potatoes and asparagus can be prepared up to a day ahead, then dressed just before serving.

Ingredients:

500gr salmon fillet
Sea salt and freshly ground pepper
500 gr small red-skinned potatoes, scrubbed
375 gr (green) asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2.5 cm lengths
315 gr mixed baby salad greens

For the sun-dried tomato vinaigrette:
4 sun-dried tomato halves
Boiling water as needed
4 spoons of extra-virgin olive oil
3 Tbs. fresh lemon juice
1 Tbs. finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
1 Tbs. finely chopped fresh dill
1 tsp. grated orange zest
1 small clove garlic, minced
Sea salt and freshly ground pepper
3 green onions, white and tender green parts, thinly sliced

Preheat the oven to 200ºC

Season the salmon fillet generously with salt and pepper. Place the salmon in a baking pan and roast until opaque throughout (use a fork to pull apart a flake of flesh and peek), 10-12 minutes. Transfer the salmon to a plate and let cool.

Meanwhile, put the potatoes in a saucepan and add water to cover. Bring to a boil over high heat, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a knife, about 15 minutes. Drain and, when cool enough to handle, peel and cut into thick slices.

In a large saucepan fitted with a steamer basket, bring 1 inch (2.5 cm.) water to a boil. Add the asparagus to the steamer basket, spread evenly, cover, and steam until tender-crisp, about 3 minutes. Remove the steamer basket from the pan and rinse the asparagus under cold running water until cool. Pat dry.

Cut the salmon into chunks.

When I did not have the opportunity to buy fresh salmon, I used the smoked version that do not need cooking.

To make the vinaigrette, place the sun-dried tomatoes in a heatproof bowl, pour over boiling water, and let stand for 5 minutes. Drain the tomatoes and finely dice. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, sun-dried tomatoes, parsley, dill, orange zest, garlic, 2 tablespoons water, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and a grinding or two of pepper until blended.

In a large bowl, toss the salad greens with 2 tablespoons of the vinaigrette. Add the asparagus and potatoes along with the remaining vinaigrette and green onions and toss gently. Add the salmon pieces and carefully toss just to gently coat. Serve right away at room temperature. Serves 4.


Isn’t this recipe mouth watering?

I made cake!

Sunday, 30 March 2014




What‘s best then baking a cake on a Spring rainy Sunday? I made a carrot cake with no icing (just to lighten up on the calories!!)

This is a simple recipe that I hope will soon become a favorite, enjoy!

What you need

2 cups flour
2 cups sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (I do not like cinnamon therefore I did not use it)
Pinch ground nutmeg
1 pinch salt
4 large eggs
1-1/3 cups peanut oil (I used soy oil)
3 cups shredded carrots (about 6 medium)
1 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup raisins (optional)  (Instead I’ve add half cup of almonds)

 
Before you start : Preheat oven to 180°. Butter a round cake pan.

Lets Make It! In a medium bowl, stir together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, nutmeg and salt. In a large bowl,whisk the eggs lightly to combine, and then whisk in the oil. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir to combine. Stir in the carrots and pecans, and the raisins/almonds, if using. Pour the batter in the pan. Bake for 40 to 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean. Cool in pans on rack for 5 minutes (I normally open the oven and leave the cake inside to cool down.





and this is the result!
 

#happiness

Thursday, 27 March 2014


I was reading this post from my friend Cat on her blog and I love the list of things that makes her happy.

And I thought it would have been lovely, a few days after the World Happy Day last week, to talk about happiness.

Therefore, I decided to make a list myself of things that makes me happy (not in any particular order).
  

 

Listening to husband snoring at night
Chocolate, any kind, any time, anywhere
Spring blooming
Looking at my diamond wedding ring
Teasing kids
Being successful in removing stains from favourite clothes
Looking at my home after tidying up
Receiving unexpected messages on whatsapp and wechat
A good laugh with my brother
Find a ladybug on my shoulder
Sipping tea (any kind of tea, I am just a tea lover)
Looking at the sky and its fantastic colours
The smell of fresh bread
Kissing mum
Dancing
Washing dishes (it’s not a typing mistake! My dishwasher is a saucepans storage)
Receiving compliments
Carrot cakes
Wearing red lipstick
Swim in the sea (better if naked)
My tattoo-free skin
Zumba, zumba, and more zumba
Stolen kisses
Eating biscuits with no-limit
Sewing (by hand as well as with sewing machine)
Kisses from my husband soft lips
Wearing perfume
Listening  to‘Swan Lake’ by Tchaikoswki for the millionth time



what are the top 3 things that makes you happy? 

a touch of spring

Sunday, 9 March 2014

 



Do you want to know the best way to breathe life into your home?
Bring some life into your home, in the form of fresh florals and houseplants.

I like to think of plants and flowers as the final accessories in a room.
As much as I love greenery, I love fresh flowers even more.

They just make me happy.

One of my dreams is to have fresh flowers in my home all year round, but I haven't accomplished that goal, just yet. But in the Spring and Summertime, when blooms are abundant, I get to live the dream.

a few weeks ago

Wednesday, 5 March 2014


I am pretty busy these days. As usually is in my crazy, happy life.
Therefore I haven't yet show you my Valentine's day outfit.
I would call this my 'bodycon' dress. Which I wore with super high heels, a camel coat and a clutch.
Jewellery were just one diamond necklace
(and of course engagement and wedding ring).
 

 

 How did we celebrate this special day?
well, special for us as this was the first Valentine's day as a married couple...
He treated me with:
breakfast in bed with fresh croassaint
sweet at lunch
flowers
romantic dinner at a castle
 
 
 
 

 

A place for two.

Sunday, 2 March 2014

We are house hunting and I cannot help but dreaming to find the perfect, cosy,
adorable home for us.
 
I am dreaming of a work room for myself only, with a desk for my papers and pc
[I am lucky to do home office], and another big desk for my DIY, sewing, painting and decorating works. Oh, and I want a HUGE book shelf storagas I have plenty of books
[now stuffed in every corner of the house].
Main room colour? White
 

 
Like the room in this picture. With big windows to welcome the sun and keep on dreaming...
 
 
 
 

Cosy weekend

Monday, 16 December 2013




My weekend in two words: low-key. After a period of busy schedules at work and trips, I was looking forward to a quiet weekend at home, spent cooking, catching up with my magazine reading, make those calls I kep postponing and simply enjoying the little things.

I hope you had a beautiful Sunday!






Slow-Braised Green Beans

Friday, 15 November 2013



This is a healthy, easy and so delish recipe, perfect for this crisp season. Thanks mummy for teaching me so much about cooking!


Ingredients

makes 4
• 500 gr green beans, trimmed
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 large, ripe tomatoes (or canned)
• 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable stock
• 1/2 lemon, juiced
• olive oil
• salt + pepper


Preparation

Place a large, wide pot over medium/high heat. Coat the bottom of the pot with olive oil and add the onion. Cook for about a minute until soft and translucent, then add the garlic and cook for another minute until soft.

Add the green beans and the stock. Using your hands, crush the tomatoes into the pot and mix. Season with salt and pepper. Cover and turn heat down to a medium-low heat. Cook for about 2 hours, until beans are very tender and beginning to fall apart. Serve warm or room temperature.


I use this recipe as side dish with meat or with some French cheese such as brie.

Vivien's

Tuesday, 12 November 2013




I was looking for an incredible pair of shoes for my wedding and this was one of my favourite choice.

But as I got married in July and temperatures would be quite high here in Italy, I thought a pair of rubber shoes would not be so comfortable to be wear all day.

Neverthless, they are amazing! Don't you think?



Love Moschino

Friday, 27 September 2013




This is one of my birthday presents by Sweet Husband. <3

on becoming a wife

Wednesday, 18 September 2013




Something make me believe (or maybe I was just trying to convince myself) that I would put much more effort into cooking once married.
Not that things have changed in our relationship and for your record, we have been living together for the past 8 years.
It was just a sort of commitment I was telling myself.

But with a job that keeps me busy, travelling, fitness routine, blog, social life, well.....cooking is something that often comes at the end of the things to do on a regular day.
I do like cooking and I am quite good at it. I just lack in time.

For example, I cannot remember the last time I've bake a cake. That's remind me that Sweet Husband asked when I was making him my delicious raspberries cake!


Do you have any quick cake recipe I could try?